Chapter 2
794 Words
Jack’s POV
It’s her.
After six months, it’s actually her.
I can’t believe the woman I’ve been searching for all this time is standing right in front of me—holding a coffee, looking like a dream... or a disaster. I can't tell which yet.
“I’m really sorry for scaring you,” I said again, my voice lower this time.
“I... it’s okay,” she stuttered, clearly flustered.
She’s not okay. I can see that. But I let it slide.
“I’m sorry for ruining your shirt,” she added.
Only then did I glance down. A wide splash of coffee stained the front of my white shirt. I hadn’t even noticed.
“It’s fine. It was my fault—you don’t need to apologize.” I offered her a hopeful smile. “Can I buy you another coffee?”
She hesitated, eyes flicking to the door. For a moment, I thought she’d bolt.
“Uhh... thanks, but I’ll pass. I think I’ll just leave,” she said.
“Please,” I said quickly, maybe too quickly. “Let me buy you another cup. We can sit for a moment—I’d really like to apologize properly.”
She looked at me. Really looked. Then finally, with a soft sigh: “Okay. But I’m not staying long.”
Relief hit me like sunlight. I motioned to the barista. “Same drink for her, please. Bring it to my table.”
“This way,” I said, gesturing toward the back corner. She followed me.
I pulled out a chair, and she sat down, tense but composed.
“I’m sorry again—for frightening you,” I said.
“You’ve apologized enough,” she replied, this time with a small smile. It was the first c***k in her wall, and something in me warmed.
Now that I had a moment to actually look at her, I saw it clearly—exhaustion. Her skin was pale, her eyes dull with sadness. She looked like she hadn’t slept in days.
“So… do you come here often?” she asked.
If only she knew.
“Every day, actually,” I said.
She raised a brow. “Caffeine addict?”
“Far from it. I come here to work.”
“What kind of job makes you work from a coffee shop every day?”
“I’m a CEO. I can work from wherever I want.”
“Oh.” The judgment in her eyes was instant. She didn’t even try to hide it.
“I know you’ve got something to say. Go ahead.”
She tilted her head. “Just seems like some people have it easy.”
I smiled. This one definitely has stories to tell.
Gina’s POV
To think I’m jobless, nearly homeless—and here’s a man who works wherever he wants. Life’s hilarious.
“I know what you’re thinking,” he said, as if reading my mind. “But I wasn’t handed anything. I worked hard to get where I am.”
Sure you did. They all say that.
I changed the topic. “Do you have a charger? My phone’s dead.”
“Yeah, of course.” He pulled one from his bag and handed it to me.
I plugged it in at the wall, watching the screen light up. One bar. At least something in my life was charging.
“So, what do you do for a living?” he asked.
“Well... I just lost my job. So I guess I don’t do anything.”
His expression softened, and for a split second, I saw pity flicker in his eyes—but he masked it fast.
“I’m sorry about that.”
“It’s not your fault,” I said, forcing a smile.
“What do you plan on doing next?”
Why was he so interested?
“I don’t know. My friend’s helping me look for a new job,” I muttered.
Just then, my phone buzzed. A message from Kira, my closest friend.
You know you’re always welcome, G. Come as soon as you can—I’m heading out soon.
I had to move—quick. Pack what little I had left and get to her place before she left.
“I have to go,” I said abruptly, standing. “Thanks for the charger.”
He stood too, concern flashing in his eyes. “Is everything okay?”
“Yes.” I didn’t want to explain.
As I turned, he stepped in front of me—not blocking me, but close.
“Can I at least know your name?”
I paused.
“Gina.”
And just like that, I walked out the door, wondering why it hurt a little to leave a stranger behind.
- Writer
